[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E663-E664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF FERNCARE FREE CLINIC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2018

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th 
Anniversary of FernCare Free Clinic. FernCare is a nonprofit free 
healthcare clinic located in the City of Ferndale, MI. The clinic 
specializes in the treatment of individuals without healthcare coverage 
and helps eligible, uninsured people obtain coverage through the 
Federal Marketplace or through Healthy Michigan, a Medicaid plan 
created thanks to the Affordable Care Act. The clinic is open for 
medical services four days each month, and provides counseling services 
twice each month.
  In 2008, a group of concerned citizens in Ferndale decided to open a 
free health care clinic under the direction of Ann Heler, to serve the 
uninsured members of their community. Two years later, FernCare first 
opened as a popup clinic at a local community center, requiring 
volunteers to set up and tear down the operation each day. In 2009, I 
was honored to support FernCare's successful efforts to obtain a grant 
through the U.S. Department of Health

[[Page E664]]

and Human Services, which helped to enable them to renovate a property 
to permanently house the clinic.
  Over the last ten years, FernCare has served more than 1,200 
patients. FernCare currently maintains the clinical care of over 300 
patients a year with a small staff and more than 100 dedicated 
volunteers. Patients of FernCare receive primary care services 
including generic and over the counter medication prescription, lab 
testing, wellness coaching, and counseling services, as well as other 
vital assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, FernCare continues to be an invaluable organization 
within Michigan's 9th District, providing essential services to those 
most in need. I often hear from patients and volunteers about the work 
FernCare does, and their stories are truly inspiring. I encourage my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating and honoring the 10th Anniversary 
of FernCare Free Clinic, its Board, led by Ann Heler, for its dedicated 
leadership, and the staff and volunteers for the irreplaceable service 
they provide to people in need.

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